Ministry of Defence

Contents

• Location
• About the job
• Benefits
• Things you need to know
• Apply and further information

NCHQ, HMS Excellent, Whale Island, Portsmouth, PO2 8BY

About the job

Job summary

Disruptive Capabilities & Technologies Office (DCTO) is the Royal Navy’s Technology and Innovation team who deliver the Royals Navy’s Trials and Experimentation (T&E), research and ideation programs. It facilitates solution engineering and scaling in an accelerated environment, in order to deliver new and disruptive capabilities into the war fighting environment in a coordinated, safe and time critical manner to maintain military advantage and to deliver lethality into the future.

This position is advertised at 37 hours per week. 

Job description

The DCTO Plans TL (DCTO-PTL) is responsible for the co-ordination and delivery of DCTO Trials and Experimentation (T&E) plan to deliver activity, as directed by the DCTO Programme Board & Head of NavyX. In addition to this dynamic role, they will support the wider Develop Directorate, Royal Navy, MOD and potentially HMG on pan-domain T&E planning which may require developing recommendations and planning for T&E activity with novel and /or uncertified craft and emergent technologies. 

The DCTO-PTL will be part of the core DCTO leadership team, and contribute to the DCTO Level0 schedule, create the DCTO Level1 experimentation schedule, and lead the detailed experiments plan creation. This will require understanding of the broader DCTO and Develop Directorate problem sets and/or innovation solution opportunities, as well as a strategic understanding of broader Defence and Navy priorities. The DCTO-PTL will be expected to take strategic intent and DCTO projects team plans and deliver detailed options for experimentation which will be iterated based on planning following feedback from the delivery organisation.

The DCTO-PTL will ensure that all experimentation activity is aligned with project goals and is designed iaw endorsed Develop Directorate processes, including overseeing the drafting and sign-off of Test and Experimentation Safety Plans (TESP) and the production of Develop Test and Experimentation Directives (DTEDs), to ensure that all activity is assured, conducted, analysed, evidenced, and reported in order to assess project benefits and outcomes. Lessons learned will be documented and next steps articulated to the DCTO Programme Board or external authority as required.

Trials activity will likely cover several projects and domains, so are potentially complex and must be closely coordinated to ensure the objectives are met. This will require engagement across (but not exclusive to) DCTO, Develop Directorate, Navy Plans and various external authorities and regulatory bodies. The DCTO-PTL will be expected to hold credible conversations on programme management, problem sets, experimentation hypotheses and data requirements, analysis, systems of systems and safety management approaches.

Responsibilities

Specific responsibilities include:

• Oversight & management of the experimentation programme planning and deconflicting to make the most efficient use of time, resources (money & people), and concepts to deliver against the DCTO and wider Develop OPEX programme.
• Operate between the DCTO Projects and Experimentation Teams to co-ordinate and deliver coherent experimentation, aligned with DCTO project priorities, and best practice process. Lead the design, conduct and analyse experimentation activity to generate evidence and relevant information to inform decisions on project direction, iteration / spiral development, and scaling options. Ensure experimentation is conducted in a safe manner, effectively utilising all available equipment and enablers. This will involve production of Develop Trials and Experimentation Directives (DTEDs) before activity. Engagement with regulatory, certification and safety bodies is critical.
• Provide experimentation planning expertise to the DCTO Experimentation and Project Teams. Oversee and assure the quality of all outputs and team performance to deliver against a project schedule, aligned with key milestones, decision points and dependencies, timelines for achievement of and realisation of benefits and a robust approach to risk and issues management.
• Ensure the experimentation team gather evidence across all DLODs in preparation for handover to a capability sponsor and/or delivery agent, acting as the NCHQ intelligent customer to monitor and assess experimentation delivery, providing experimentation coherence and management, instigate and drive activities to ensure comprehensive and proactive management. Provide options to address complex issues and manage through to resolution, escalating to Head NavyX for key decisions when required.
• Manage external experimentation reviews and reporting to achieve timely assessments and assurance prior to key decision points if applicable. Analyse the outcomes of experimentation and develop plans to address recommendations. Liaise with other TLB experimentation elements is implied to ensure information sharing and lessons are learnt.
• Represent Head NavyX or CTO in stakeholder engagement at senior management level within NCHQ, across the MOD and wider Government community where required in experimentation forums.
• Line manage Experimentation Plans staff ensuring clear roles and responsibilities are defined and staff are supported in development of core competences to achieve a capable team, utilising external resources where required. Activity delivering all aspects of the Civil Service “The Deal” goal through a range of people focussed activities. Delegate challenging and rewarding tasks within the bounds of the team’s capabilities and capacity whilst remaining accountable and provide expert advice and guidance to team members offering mentoring and coaching as required.
• Develop and maintain a succession plan to ensure retention of corporate knowledge and expertise within the team. Delegate challenging and rewarding tasks within the bounds of the teams' capabilities and capacity whilst remaining accountable and provide expert advice and guidance to team members offering mentoring and coaching in planning techniques as required.
• Create an inclusive working environment where all opinions and challenges are taken into account and bullying, harassment and discrimination are unacceptable. Remain available and approachable to all colleagues and be receptive to new ideas.
• Working closely with Head NavyX, own responsibility for developing Trials and & Experimentation (T&E) costing, scheduling, DLOD integration and risk process.

Person specification

Essential

• Broad T&E knowledge skills & expertise (KSE) to develop and ensure credibility when representing NavyX and in discussions with the broader Naval Service, regulatory bodies, external stakeholders, Industry, Academia and International Partners. Application of adaptive and creative thought to complex and difficult problems. The ability to work without supervision, exercise judgement and good organisational skills, and show determination in the pursuit of objectives.
• The ability to pay attention to detail whilst also keeping an overview on the wider perspective.
• Considerable discretion over day-to-day conduct and organisation of work. Decisions only to be referred upwards where relate to significant issues of policy or suggest a need to revise priority order previously outlined.

Skills

• Trials and Experimental Planning
• Technical Report writing
• Stakeholder Management
• MS Office Applications
• Attention to detail and ability to critically evaluate information gathered across multiple sources, recommending improvements as necessary
• Safety Management Experience
• MoDNET/TeamSite – SharePoint/Skype meetings
• Familiarity with Agile Ways of Working

Experience

• Planning complex maritime exercises
• Scientific experimental design and data analysis
• General management, including budget management, planning, recruitment, resource selection and health and safety
• Managing diverse teams in a complex environment
• Proven track record of engaging and managing multiple stakeholders, tailoring messages appropriately, influencing others and gaining their agreement and cooperation

Technical

• Competent in using MS Office tools; Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Skype, Agile principles including use of JIRA and SharePoint

Behaviours

We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

• Making Effective Decisions
• Leadership
• Communicating and Influencing
• Managing a Quality Service

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £59,690, Ministry of Defence contributes £17,292 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.

Benefits

As a civil servant in Navy Command, you will be part of a forward-looking organisation with inclusive workplace policies, excellent career prospects, and a job that makes a difference. Navy Command prides itself on being a supportive employer and where possible encourages flexible working, helping you to maintain a great work/life balance.

Other benefits for Navy Command civil servants include:

• 25 days paid annual leave rising (1 day per year) to 30 days upon completion of 5 years’ service
• Personal and professional development
• Alternative working patterns for many roles
• Access to a confidential, professional support service
• Discount schemes
• Bicycle / season ticket loans
• Enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption leave
• Special paid leave to volunteer up to 6 days a year.

In Navy Command we believe that everyone has the potential to make a difference and you will be supported to help you learn and advance in your career. This includes working towards membership of a professional body and/or undertaking an apprenticeship as part of your role.

An apprenticeship is combined package of work and training. Through an apprenticeship you will gain professional knowledge, practical experience, and the broader skills required to upskill you in your current role and pave the way for your future career. Most of the training will be ‘on-the-job’ with the remaining ‘off-the-job’ training often delivered by a training provider. This means minimal disruption and maximum impact.

Professional qualifications can be achieved through an apprenticeship and range from Level 2 (equivalent to 5 GCSEs), Level 3 (equivalent to 2 A Levels), and Levels 4-7, which can give you a foundation degree, a full Bachelor’s degree, or a Master’s degree.

Apprenticeships normally last between 12 months – 3 years, depending on the level of apprenticeship.

Anyone can undertake an Apprenticeship and everyone, regardless of age, can benefit from developing their skills in an accredited way.

Successful candidates can discuss their development options with their manager when in post.

Our headquarters in Portsmouth also offer an impressive range of on-site facilities including a gymnasium, tennis courts and other sporting facilities, a children’s nursery, a bistro restaurant, a shop and plenty of car parking spaces.

The post does not offer any assistance with relocation expenses.

Please note: expenses incurred for travel to interviews will not be reimbursed.

The post does not offer relocation expenses. 

External recruits who join the MOD who are new to the Civil Service will be subject to a six-month probation period. 

Any move to MOD from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax-free childcare. Determine your eligibility at https://www.childcareoptions.gov.uk/ .

The Ministry of Defence is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for its staff which includes educating them on the benefits of not smoking, protecting them from the harmful effects of second-hand smoke and supporting those who want to give up smoking. Under the Smoke-Free Working Environment policy, Smoking and the use of all tobacco products (including combustible and chewing tobacco products) will not be permitted anywhere in the Defence working environment however some exemptions are in place, please refer to local guidance. The policy is Whole Force and includes all Defence personnel, contractors, visitors and other non-MOD personnel. All applicants seeking, considering, or accepting employment with the Ministry of Defence should be aware of this policy and that it is already in place at a number of Defence Establishments. 

MOD Recruitment Satisfaction Survey – We may contact you regarding your experience to help us improve our customer satisfaction. The survey is voluntary and anonymous. You may however be given the opportunity to provide additional information to help us improve our service which includes the collection of some personal data as defined by the United Kingdom General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR). The MOD Privacy Policy Notice sets out how we will use your personal data and your rights. 

Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.

Contact point for applicants

Job contact :

• Name : Keith Stephenson
• Email : keith.stephenson733@mod.gov.uk

Recruitment team

• Email : DBSCivPers-Resourcingteam3@mod.gov.uk

Further information

Please ensure you read the attached candidate information document prior to completing your application. If you are dissatisfied with the service you have received from DBS, or believe that DBS has failed to follow the recruitment process in line with the Civil Service Commission principles of selection for appointment on merit on the basis of Fair and Open competition, you can raise a formal complaint by writing to DBS at the following address: Defence Business Services, Scanning Hub, Room 6124, Tomlinson House, Norcross Lane, Blackpool, FY5 3WP. If after raising your complaint with DBS you remain dissatisfied you can complain directly to the Civil Service Commission at the following address: Civil Service commission, Room G/8, 1 Horse Guards Road, London, SW1A 2HQ Or by email: info@csc.gov.uk.

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